January 24, 2014 John 2:13–17 (ESV) The Passover of the Jews was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. In the temple he found those who were selling oxen and sheep and pigeons, and the money-changers sitting there. And making a whip of cords, he drove them all out of the temple, with the sheep and oxen. And he poured out the coins of the money-changers and overturned their tables. And he told those who sold the pigeons, “Take these things away; do not make my Father’s house a house of trade.” His disciples remembered that it was written, “Zeal for your house will consume me.” Gods Business Gods Business is much different than mans. Too often when we go to church we may go with entirely the wrong attitude. I have been at church before when people have wanted to talk about anything it seemed except God. Church for some can be a place to transact business affairs instead of getting honest with God and worshipping Him in spirit and truth. Jesus walked into an extreme case of this and literally lost it. His passion for Gods house, and really for the Father Himself, was so strong that he could not let the merchants go unchallenged, so he literally upset the apple cart. Making a whip, he drove out the merchants, hitting them with a whip and yelling to get out of his Fathers house. I would love to have seen this. Too often we think of Jesus as the mild mannered, limp wristed figure who would never raise hand or voice against anyone. No this is not Jesus. Jesus was strong, having worked his entire life with his hands and having grown up in a carpenters home. He was strong of body and spirit, and this scene helps us understand that he was fully capable of kicking out the merchants by himself, and they didnt dare challenge him. When we go to church and engage in worship, our hearts should be fully engaged in seeking out the living God, in giving Him our entire attention and affection. We shouldnt talk shop, we should not waltz in and out without a care in the world, and we should not approach that time with a flippant spirit. We should realize that God is on His throne, and when we approach Him, He awaits our worship and praise expectantly. Gods Business is serious Business. Question for Growth Is it difficult for you to imagine Jesus demonstrating anger and physically confronting the merchant’s in the temple area? Prayer Jesus, thank you for being strong and righteous. May I fully know the powerful God whom I worship and serve. Amen.
Posted on: Fri, 24 Jan 2014 13:00:01 +0000